Unity in diversity was the title, and the reality, as Jewish,
Muslim, and Christian representatives gathered at the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Dunedin yesterday,
for the National Interfaith Forum.

The event at the St Clair church attracted 110 delegates from
around New Zealand.

Dunedin deputy mayor Chris Staynes said at the opening the
city had a history of religious diversity. Muslims and
Buddhists were among early settlers, alongside Presbyterians
and other Christian denominations.

There had been times of conflict, but never enough to harm
the fabric of the city, he said.

Dunedin Interfaith Council secretary Suzanne Gillies said
guest speakers at the forum included the superintendent
minister of the Cathedral of World Methodism in London, the
Rev Lord Leslie Griffiths, and New Zealand Human Rights
Commission representative Rohan Jaduram.

The three-day event would include workshops and panels on
subjects including the harmony of science and religion, and
peace-building grounded in faith.

The forum is hosted by the Interfaith Council, a member of a
national group set up to encourage New Zealanders to be more
inclusive and accepting of religious diversity.